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Tragic Incident in Forest Acres: Domestic Dispute Turns Deadly

Police car parked outside a house with crime scene tape, representing a domestic violence incident.

News Summary

A domestic dispute in Forest Acres escalated tragically, resulting in the death of Mauricio Garcia and charges against his girlfriend Kristen Berger. The incident underscores concerns about domestic violence in the community. Following a series of 911 calls, police found Berger outside with her hands raised and discovered Garcia inside with a fatal gunshot wound. Berger faces multiple charges including murder and possession of a stolen firearm. The case highlights the critical need for addressing domestic violence and ensuring safety in homes.

Tragic Incident in Forest Acres: A Domestic Dispute Turns Deadly

In a shocking turn of events, a domestic dispute in the peaceful city of Forest Acres has led to the tragic death of a man, with his girlfriend now facing serious charges. This incident, which occurred in the early hours of March 13, has raised concerns about domestic violence and safety within homes.

Details of the Incident

The police responded to a 911 call just after midnight, placed by 44-year-old Kristen Berger. She claimed that her 52-year-old boyfriend, Mauricio Garcia, had assaulted her. However, upon their arrival, the officers found no evidence to support her claims and, in fact, began to suspect that Garcia could be the one in danger.

After careful consideration, the officers advised Garcia to secure himself in a room for safety. Surprisingly, Berger declined offers for medical help and even the chance to be picked up by her mother. This decision left the officers to leave the scene with the hope that the situation would de-escalate.

A Disturbing Second Call

The situation took a darker turn just a couple of hours later. At approximately 2:15 a.m., Berger made another frantic call to 911, claiming that there had been an accidental shooting. Upon returning to the residence, police encountered a startling sight: Berger was outside with her hands raised. The officers quickly took her into custody.

A Tragic Discovery

Inside the home, officers discovered Garcia with a gunshot wound that was later determined to be fatal. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at a local hospital. An autopsy later confirmed that Garcia had succumbed to a single gunshot wound to the head. The firearm, it turned out, was reported stolen from the nearby area of Cayce.

Charges Filed Against Berger

Now, Berger finds herself facing multiple serious charges, including murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Reports indicate that Berger has a troubling history of domestic violence, having been convicted for assaults on past partners in 2008 and 2014.

The Importance of Addressing Domestic Violence

This devastating incident marks Forest Acres’ first murder investigation for the year 2025, shining a spotlight on the often-hidden issue of domestic violence. Police officials have emphasized the significance of addressing domestic violence, encouraging anyone affected by it to seek help and support.

Current Status

Kristen Berger is currently being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center without the option for bond. As the community grapples with this alarming situation, the hope remains that awareness and intervention efforts can prevent similar tragedies in the future.

This heart-wrenching event serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding domestic relationships and the dire consequences that can arise when conflicts escalate out of control. Community members are urged to look out for one another and promote a culture of safety and support.